overview
Graphic with blood pressure fluctuations due to pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma and Irregular Blood Pressure Open popup dialog
A pheochromocytoma (Fee-o-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muh) is a rare, usually non-cancerous (benign) tumor that develops in an adrenal gland. You have two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. Usually a pheochromocytoma develops in a single adrenal gland. But tumors can grow in either.
When you have a pheochromocytoma, the tumor releases hormones that can cause high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and symptoms of a panic attack. If a pheochromocytoma is left untreated, it can cause serious or potentially fatal damage to other body systems.
Most pheochromocytomas occur in people between the ages of 20 and 50. But the tumor can grow at any age. Surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma usually returns blood pressure to normal. Pheochromocytoma Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma include:
- Arterial hypertension
- a headache
- Heavy sweating
- Fast heartbeat
- Tremble
- The pallor of the face
- shortness of breath
- Panic attack-like symptoms
The reasons
Endocrine system
Endocrine SystemOpen Popup Dialog
Researchers aren’t sure what exactly causes pheochromocytoma. The tumor grows in specialized cells called chromaffin cells, which are located in the center of an adrenal gland. These cells release certain hormones, mainly adrenaline (adrenaline) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which help control many body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Risk factors
Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIB (MEN IIB)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type IIB (MEN IIB) Open popup dialog
People with certain rare hereditary diseases are at increased risk of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. Tumors associated with these disorders are more likely to be cancerous. Pheochromocytoma Treatment in Hyderabad
These genetic conditions include:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is a disorder that causes tumors in more than one part of the body’s hormonal (endocrine) system. Other tumors associated with this condition can appear on the thyroid, parathyroid, lips, and tongue. and the gastrointestinal tract.
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease can lead to tumors in several locations, including the central nervous system, endocrine system, pancreas, and kidneys.
- Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) causes multiple skin tumors (neurofibromas), pigmented patches of skin, and tumors of the optic nerve.
- Hereditary paraganglioma syndromes are inherited diseases that lead to pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas.